DARTMOUTH (CBS) – Congressman Barney Frank made some controversial comments during the commencement ceremony at UMass Dartmouth on Sunday.

UMass gave awards to both Frank and civic leader Hubert Jones, who is black. When the congressman congratulated Jones for his honorary degree, Frank referenced the deadly shooting of Trayvon Martin in Florida.

“I’m particularly pleased that Hubie got an honorary degree today,” said Frank. “You know when you get an honorary degree they give you one of these and Hubie, I think now you have a hood you can wear and no one will shoot at you.”

The comments were followed up with some nervous laughter from the crowd along with some cheers.

Trayvon Martin was wearing a hooded sweatshirt when he was shot by a neighborhood watchman.